public discourse

public discourse

Description:

For this assignment, you will review a mainstream film (or television series) that takes a stand on an issue of public discourse and analyze why and how it may have influenced public debates on the particular issue. Examples of such films include: Philadelphia, Rent, Moonlight, Boys Don’t Cry, Milk, The Butler, Mississippi Burning, Black Swan, Zero Dark Thirty, American Sniper, Spotlight, Blood Diamond, Schindler’s List, Thank You For Smoking, Orange is the New Black, etc (the library has many of these available for check-out). Think creatively and feel free to choose a film or series that is not on this list, but please run it by me first. Don’t forget, this assignment is not to write a traditional movie review; it’s an exploration of how the entertainment industry can influence public dialogue, and even effect change in our society.

Be sure to:

  • Identify the public discourse issue and the movie/show that you are analyzing (include the year it was released, the director and executive producer, and the studio).
  • Briefly describe the plot/theme of the movie and major characters.
  • Examine how the filmmaker(s) communicates his/her perspective and identify specific examples from the movie that address the public discourse issue/debate. Demonstrate how the examples supported one position or another.
  • Think in terms of emotion, logical information, images/scenes, and characterization of the “good guys” and “bad guys.”
  • Explain whether the film was successful in educating the public, and whether society has addressed the issue since the making of the film. Explore the media coverage surrounding the film to determine how it sparked public dialogue or even created societal change.
  • Use at least two communication theories/concepts from class readings to analyze how/why the examples from the film would influence public opinion about the topic. Some examples include: Entertainment Persuasion, Social Cognitive Theory, Use of Satire, Cultivation Theory, Mean World Syndrome, Agenda-setting, Framing, Uses & Gratification Theory, Word of Mouth, Two-Step Flow Theory, Third-Person Effect, etc. Please choose theories/concepts that you haven’t already used in previous assignments, and be sure to define and explain each one before applying it.
  • Use citations from the class readings, reviews of the film, and other outside research to support your conclusions (APA or MLA format, please). Citations should be included within the text and also at the end of your paper.

Guidelines: Please be sure to check spelling, grammar and punctuation carefully. Limit your paper to 2-3 pages double-spaced. Due Nov. 16. Please submit a hard copy in class.

so just follow the instruction and note that it is not a traditional film review

and make sure using communication theories

Answer Preview

The movie does not focus on the political reasons that made the U.S invade Iraq and focuses on the individuals being killed by Kyle. He portrays Kyle as a person with good intentions for his country as he only kills the dangerous individuals. At some point, Kyle is seen imploring a child with an RPG and waits for him to drop it before he…

(798 Words)

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